Chinese Translations

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<details><summary>Biography of Pang Tong* - 龐統傳</summary>

Pang Tong, styled Shiyuan, was from Xiangyang. When young, he was dull, not yet showing knowledge. Sima Hui of Yingchuan was dignified and knew people by examining [them]. When Tong was capped, he went to see Hui. Hui picked mulberries on the tree, and Tong sat under the tree. They discussed together their opinions until nighttime. Hui was especially impressed by him and praised Tong's style as the Crown of Scholars in the South, and from this, he gradually became more famous.

龐統字士元，襄陽人也。少時樸鈍，未有識者。潁川司馬徽清雅有知人鑒，統弱冠往見徽，徽採桑於樹上，坐統在樹下，共語自晝至夜。徽甚異之，稱統當為南州士之冠冕，由是漸顯。〔一〕

<summary>[Pei Songzhi's Annotations]</summary>

〔一〕The Annals of Xiangyang stated: Zhuge Kongming was Sleeping Dragon, Pang Shiyuan was Fledging Phoenix, Sima Decao was Water Mirror; all were spoken of by Pang Degong. Degong was from Xiangyang. Everytime Kongming came to his house, and his special way to respect was lower than the bed. Degong especially did not stop him. Decao once visited Degong, who crossed the Mian [River] to worship his ancestors' graves. Decao directly entered [Degong's] house and called Degong's wife and children to have them quickly make millet. [Decao said] "Xu Yuanzhi had said that a guest would come to me and Lord Pang to talk." His wife and children all paid their respects down the hall and ran to prepare. After a while, Degong returned, went straight to enter and see each other, and did not know who was the guest. Decao was younger than Degong by ten years and treated him like an elder brother. He called him Lord Pang, and hence contemporaries said Lord Pang was Degong's forename, when it was not. Degong's son was Shanmin, who also was famous. He married Zhuge Kongming's younger sister, and became Civil Attendant at the Yellow Gates. He died early. His son, Huan was styled Shiwen. During Jin's Taikang era, he served as Grand Adminstrator of Zangke. Tong was Degong's son. When young, he did not yet showing knowledge, but only Degong valued. When he was 18, went to see Decao. Decao and [Tong] talked. Tong sighed and said, "Degong, you genuinely can interpret someone. It really exceeds in virtue."

〔一〕《襄陽記》曰：諸葛孔明為卧龍，龐士元為鳳雛，司馬德操為水鏡，皆龐德公語也。德公，襄陽人。孔明每至其家，獨拜牀下，德公殊不令止。德操甞造德公，值其渡沔，上祀先人墓，德操徑入其室，呼德公妻子，使速作黍，「徐元直向云有客當來就我與龐公譚。」

其妻子皆羅列拜於堂下，奔走供設。須臾，德公還，直入相就，不知何者是客也。德操年小德公十歲，兄事之，呼作龐公，故世人遂謂龐公是德公名，非也。德公子山民，亦有令名，娶諸葛孔明小姊，為魏黃門吏部郎，早卒。子渙，字世文，晉太康中為牂牁太守。統，德公從子也，少未有識者，惟德公重之，年十八，使往見德操。德操與語，旣而歎曰：「德公誠知人，此實盛德也。」

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Later, the commandery made him a gongcao. By nature, he was good at human relations.

Right now, the world is in great chaos. Honesty and morality slowly declines; good people are few while evil people are many. So I desire to reinvigorate standards and develop virtue and deeds.

後郡命為功曹。性好人倫，勤於長養。每所稱述，多過其才，時人怪而問之，統荅曰：「當今天下大亂，雅道陵遲，善人少而惡人多。方欲興風俗，長道業，不美其譚即聲名不足慕企，不足慕企而為善者少矣。今拔十失五，猶得其半，而可以崇邁世教，使有志者自勵，不亦可乎？」

Wu General Zhou Yu helped the Former Lord take Jing Province, [Tong] hence became Grand Administrator of Nan Commandery. When Yu died, Tong escorted coffin until Wu, and many Wu people heard of his fame. When he was going west to return, he concurrently gathered at the western gates. Lu Ji, Gu Shao, and Quan Cong all went. Tong said, "Mister Lu can be called a slow horse with the strength of galloping legs; Mister Gu can be called a slow ox that can bear heavy [loads] and go afar."[1] He told Quan Cong, "You like to do good deeds and admire your reputation. This is similar to Fan Zizhao of Runan." Ji and Shao told Tong, "If you can make the world have great peace, we want to participate with you and together evaluate literati within the four seas." They became very close with Tong, who then returned.

吳將周瑜助先主取荊州，因領南郡太守。瑜卒，統送喪至吳，吳人多聞其名。及當西還，並會昌門，陸績、顧劭、全琮皆往。統曰：「陸子可謂駑馬有逸足之力，顧子可謂駑牛能負重致遠也。」〔一〕謂全琮曰：「卿好施慕名，有似汝南樊子昭。〔二〕績、劭謂統曰：「使天下太平，當與卿共料四海之士。」深與統相結而還。

<summary>[Pei Songzhi's Annotations]</summary>

〔一〕Zhang Bo's Records of Wu state: Someone asked Tong, "As you see it, is Mister Lu superior?" Tong said, "Although this slow horse is excellent, it can only bear a single person, nothing more. This slow ox in a single day can travel 300 li, how can he bear just a single person?" Shao went to Tong overnight, talked, and hence asking, "Sir, you're famous for knowing people. I ask you who is superior to you?" Tong said, "In [firing] pottery and smelting [metal]*, in evaluating and selecting people, I cannot compare to you, sir. In discussing with emperors and kings about great stratagems, in controlling fortune between misfortune by priority, I seem to be elder by a single day." Shao was eased by his words and thus hugged him.

* [firing] pottery and smelting [metal] - idiom for educating people.

〔一〕張勃《吳錄》曰：或問統曰：「如所目，陸子為勝乎？」統曰：「駑馬雖精，所致一人耳。駑牛一日行三百里，所致豈一人之重哉！」劭就統宿，語，因問：「卿名知人，吾與卿孰愈？」統曰：「陶冶世俗，甄綜人物，吾不及卿；論帝王之秘策，攬倚伏之要最，吾似有一日之長。」劭安其言而親之。

〔二〕Jiang Ji's Essay about 10,000 Stratagems says: Xu Zijiang's praises and disparagements is uneven, he distinguishes Fan Zizhao but restrains Xu Wenxiu. Liu Ye said, "Zizhao was nominated when he was a petty merchant. His years are of ears listening*. In retreating, he is vigilant and quiet; in advancing, he is not careless." I replied, "Zizhao is indeed perfect and pure when old or young, but 'in observing how they pick their teeth, grow their cheeks, and speak through lips and kisses,'** he is not Wenxiu's rival."

*ears listening - sixty years old, said so because at this age one's ears can interpret hidden meanings in spoken words.

**'in observing how they pick their teeth, grow their cheeks, and speak through lips and kisses,' - This is similar to a quote by Dongfang Shuo.

〔二〕蔣濟《萬機論》云：許子將褒貶不平，以拔樊子昭而抑許文休。劉曄曰：「子昭拔自賈豎，年至耳順，退能守靜，進能不苟。」濟荅曰：「子昭誠自長幼皃潔，然觀其臿齒牙，樹頰胲，吐唇吻，自非文休敵也。」

Hai is pronounced Gai.

胲音改。

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When the Former Lord led Jing Province, Tong handled affairs as Prefect of Leiyang, but the county was unruly, so he was removed from office. Wu General Lu Su sent the Former Lord a message saying, "Pang Shiyuan is not a talent for 100 li. If you let him handle central [government affairs] and appoint him as a beijia will he start to show a fine horse's legs, that's all." Zhuge Liang also said such the Former Lord. The Former Lord met and had a good conversation with him. He saw him as very talented and made him serve as Clerk in Administrative Office. In close treatment he was second to Zhuge Liang. Thereupon he and Liang were both made General of the Household of Military Advice.[2] Liang remained to guard Jing Province; Tong followed into Shu.

先主領荊州，統以從事守耒陽令，在縣不治，免官。吳將魯肅遺先主書曰：「龐士元非百里才也，使處治中、別駕之任，始當展其驥足耳。」諸葛亮亦言之於先主，先主見與善譚，大器之，以為治中從事。〔一〕親待亞於諸葛亮，遂與亮並為軍師中郎將。〔二〕亮留鎮荊州。統隨從入蜀。

<summary>[Pei Songzhi's Annotations]</summary>

〔一〕The Biographies of those in Jiangbiao state: When the Former Lord and Tong had a easy-going feast, he asked [Tong], saying, "Sir, you were Zhou Gongjin's gongcao. When I went to Wu, I heard that man secretly had a hidden letter, urging Zhongmou to have me stay. Is that true? When you are with your lord, he is your lord, so sir, you shouldn't conceal." Tong replied, "It is true." Bei sighed and said, "I was in peril at that time. When I was sought by [Zhongmou], I had no choice but to go, and I almost could not escape Zhou Yu's grasp! The world's intelligent and resourceful scholars had seen the same plot, that's all. At the time, Kongming admonished me not to go, stating I was in danger, and he also worried about such. When I was with Zhongmou to resist the north, I thought he would depend on my help, hence I remained without being suspicious. This indeed came out as dangerous and clueless, not a plan for complete safety!"

〔一〕《江表傳》曰：林婦，同郡習禎姉。禎事在楊戲輔臣贊。曹公之破荊州，林婦與林分隔，守養弱女十有餘年，後林隨黃權降魏，始復集聚。魏文帝聞而賢之，賜牀帳衣服，以顯其義節。

〔二〕Tong told Bei, "Jing Province is desolate and ruined. Its people have all perished. East, there is Sun Wu; north, there is the Cao clan. To have a plan of tripod legs*, this would be difficult to accomplish your ambitions. Presently, the nation of Yi Province has prosperous people and is strong. Its households number 1,000,000 with four sectors of troops and horses. If you depart [with army], you'll certainly take over. Treasures needn't be requested from the outside and then you can use power as to determine great deeds. Bei said, "Now you identify the one against me like water and fire as Cao Cao. While Cao Cao is demanding, I am lenient; while Cao Cao is brutal, I am benevolent; while Cao Cao is deceptive, I am loyal. Each time I'm compared with Cao Cao, matters can succeed for me, that's all! Right now, I would lose trust and righteousness in the world for such pettiness! I shall not take it!" Tong said, "This is a time of changes in power. This is definitely not one where one should be stubborn. Annexing the weak and attacking the unaware is a matter of the Five Paramounts. If you seize it but with reasonable governance, returning such is righteousness. After the matter is settled, by enfeoffing a large land, how is that betraying faith? Today, if you don't take it, then in the end, it will be the advantage of others, that's all." Bei thus acted.

*tripod legs - three competition nations

〔二〕《九州春秋》曰：統說備曰：「荊州荒殘，人物殫盡，東有吳孫，北有曹氏，鼎足之計，難以得志。今益州國富民彊，戶口百萬，四部兵馬，所出必具，寶貨無求於外，今可權借以定大事。」備曰：「今指與吾為水火者，曹操也，操以急，吾以寬；操以暴，吾以仁；操以譎，吾以忠；每與操反，事乃可成耳。今以小故而失信義於天下者，吾所不取也。」統曰：「權變之時，固非一道所能定也。兼弱攻昧，五伯之事。逆取順守，報之以義，事定之後，封以大國，何負於信？今日不取，終為人利耳。」備遂行。

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Xi Zuochi stated, "A hegemon-king must practice benevolence and righteousness to be their foundation and rely on faith and obedience to be their mentor. If one of these is incomplee, then their road is inverse! Now that Liu Bei attacked and seized Zhang's lands, he used power as to assist his undertaking, betrayed faith and violated intimacy. His virtue and righteousness and both faulty, and though this achievement made him prosperous, it would [result in] a great defeat for him; examples like breaking hands and maintaining body, how can he be happy from that? Pang Tong feared his words would be wide-spread and knew his lord would certainly be aware, hence he

He thus sieged Luo County. Tong was leading troops to attack the city and was in the middle of arrows. He died, and at the time, he was 36 years old. The Former Lord was aggrieved; when he was mentioned, [the Former Lord] cried. He made Tong's father yilang, who then became Grandee Remonstrate, and was respected by Zhuge Liang like a relative. Tong was posthumously bestowed Marquis within the Passes and title was the Jing Marquis. Tong's son, Hong, styled Jushi, was very resolute in positives and negatives [of people]. He disrespected and was arrogant to the Prefect of Secretariat; Chen Zhi, so he was restrained by Zhi, and he died as Grand Adminstrator of Fuling. Tong's younger brother, Lin, who was assistant clerk for Jing Province, and joined General who Defends the North; Huang Quan, who invaded Wu, but their army was defeated, so followed Quan into Wei, and in Wei, was enfeoffed as a marquis, and whose rank reached Grand Adminstrator of Julu.

進圍雒縣，統率衆攻城，為流矢所中，卒，時年三十六。先主痛惜，言則流涕。拜統父議郎，遷諫議大夫，諸葛亮親為之拜。追賜統爵關內侯，謚曰靖侯。統子宏，字巨師，剛簡有臧否，輕傲尚書令陳袛，為袛所抑，卒於涪陵太守。統弟林，以荊州治中從事參鎮北將軍黃權征吳，值軍敗，隨權入魏，魏封列侯，至鉅鹿太守。

<summary>[Pei Songzhi's Annotations]*</summary>

〔一〕The Annals of Xiangyang said: Lin's wife was Xi Zhen's elder sister of the same commandery. Zhen's matters are in Yang Xi's Appraisal of Assisting Officials. When Excellency Cao defeated Jing Province, Lin's wife and Lin were separated, so she raised their young daughters for over 10 years. Later, Lin followed Huang Quan to surrender to Wei and only then he regathered [his family]. The Civil Emperor of Wei heard this and deemed him worthy, gifting him tent and clothing, thus this revealed his righteous integrity.

〔一〕《襄陽記》云：林婦，同郡習禎姉。禎事在楊戲輔臣贊。曹公之破荊州，林婦與林分隔，守養弱女十有餘年，後林隨黃權降魏，始復集聚。魏文帝聞而賢之，賜牀帳衣服，以顯其義節。

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<details><summary>Biography of Fa Zheng - 法正傳</summary>

Fa Zheng, styled Xiaozhi, was from Mei, Youfufeng. His grandfather was Zhen, who had pure integrity and grand reputation.

法正字孝直，右扶風郿人也。祖父真，有清節高名。

<summary>[Pei Songzhi's Annotations]</summary>

〔一〕Sanfujuelu states: Zhen, styled Gaoqing. When young, he understood the Five Classics. He also understood prophetic signs, and his learning had no permanent teacher, and his fame was for his great talent. He often wore a fujin to see the Administrator of Fufeng. The Administrator said, "Though Duke Ai was unworthy, he still had Zhongni under him; Hui of Liuxia still did not forego respect of father and mother. Do you want to serve as a gongcao in such manner?" Zhen said, "Sire, your special respect towards me is why I visit you for the four seasons. If you want for me to serve as an official, I will go north than the northernmost mountain and go south than the southernmost mountain!" The Administrator of Fufeng thus did not dare make him an official. Previously, when Zhen was not yet capped, his father was in Nan Commandery, and he followed his father. When he wanted to leave, his father had him stay for the New Year, and had officials meet for court. The meeting was with hundreds of people, and Zhen were in the gates, and he and his father talked. When finished, Zhen was asked, "Who is most worthy?" Zhen said, "The caoju; Hu Guang will have the prestige of an Excellency and Minister." Later, Guang indeed became among the Nine Ministers and Three Excellencies, and the world thus reported Zhen's perception. Past and future, he was summoned, all he did not accept, and his friend, Guo Zheng, praised such. [Zhen] was called Mister of Mysterious Virtue. When he was 89 years old, he died in the 5th year of the Zhongping era. His father, Yan was styled Jimou, who was Assistant to Excellency of Works and Left Supervisor of the Minister of Justice.

〔一〕《三輔決録》注曰：真字高卿，少明五經，兼通讖緯，學無常師，名有高才。常幅巾見扶風守，守曰：「哀公雖不肖，猶臣仲尼，柳下惠不去父母之邦，欲相屈為功曹何如？」真曰：「以明府見待有禮，故四時朝覲，若欲吏使之，真將在北山之北南山之南矣。」扶風守遂不敢以為吏。初，真年未弱冠，父在南郡，步往候父，已欲去，父留之待正旦，使觀朝吏會。會者數百人，真於中闚其與父語。畢，問真「孰賢」？真曰：「曹掾胡廣有公卿之量。」其後廣果歷九卿三公之位，丗以服真之知人。前後徵辟，皆不就，友人郭正等美之，號曰玄德先生。年八十九，中平五年卒。正父衍，字季謀，司徒掾、廷尉左監。

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In the beginning of the Jian'an era, the realm was famished and devastated, so Zheng and Meng Da of the same commandery both entered Shu to depend on Liu Zhang. After a long time, he was made Prefect of Xindu, and latter summoned as Colonel of Military Discussion. But he was not used, and his province villagers that were abroad defamed him of having no morals, so his ambitions were never achieved. The Assistant of Yi Province, Zhang Song, and Zheng were friendly, and thought that Zhang was not enough to do deeds, so they often secretly sighed hopelessly. Song, in Jing Province, saw Excellency Cao and returned, and urged Zhang to stop Excellency Cao and to ally with someone else. Zhang said, "Who to send?" Song thus recommended Zheng, but Zheng declined, but had no choice but to go. When Zheng returned, he praised to Song the Former Lord having strong strategies, and secretly plotted to assist him in planning. They together were to be received, but not yet at the border. Later, because Zhang heard Excellency Cao wanted to send general to invade Lu, he was of a scared mind. Song thus told Zhang he must welcome the Former Lord and send him to attack Lu. Thus [Zhang] had Zheng relay orders. When Zheng was summoned, he secretly presented a plan to the Former Lord, saying, "Brilliant General, with your extraordinary talent, you can exploit Governor Liu's feebleness. Zhang Song is the province's legs and arms but will answer to you within. Afterwards, you can utilize Yi Province's riches and Fengtian Province's treacherous borders. You will achieve your undertaking like turning your hand!" The Former Lord followed this, sailed the river west, and met Zhang at the Fu [River]. They went north to Jiameng, but [the Former Lord] went south to attack Zhang.

建安初，天下饑荒，正與同郡孟達俱入蜀依劉璋，久之為新都令，後召署軍議校尉。旣不任用，又為其州邑俱僑客者所謗無行，志意不得。益州別駕張松與正相善，忖璋不足與有為，常竊歎息。松於荊州見曹公還，勸璋絕曹公而自結先主。璋曰：「誰可使者？」松乃舉正，正辭讓，不得已而往。正旣還，為松稱說先主有雄略，密謀協規，願共戴奉，而未有緣。後因璋聞曹公欲遣將征張魯之有懼心也，松遂說璋宜迎先主，使之討魯，復令正銜命。正旣宣旨，陰獻策於先主曰：「以明將軍之英才，乘劉牧之懦弱；張松，州之股肱，以響應於內；然後資益州之殷富，馮天府之險阻，以此成業，猶反掌也。」先主然之，泝江而西，與璋會涪。北至葭萌，南還取璋。

Zheng Du told Zhang that,[1] "The General of the Left's local armies will attack us, but their troops are not in the tens of thousands. His soldiers have not yet been close [to him], mediocre grain for food, and his army has no supply lines. Your strategy should force the people of Baxi and Zitong to use the Fu River to go west, and that your granaries should all be burned down. Have great walls that have been meticulously prepared, and be still and wait for them. When they arrive, they will want to fight, but don't sally! After a long time, they will have no food, and before a hundred days, they will have to retreat. Then go and attack them, for we will certainly capture them, indeed!" When the Former Lord heard this, he hated [Du], and thus asked Zheng [what to do]. Zheng said, "Ultimately, he will not be heeded, so don't be worried." Zhang indeed acted as Zhang said, telling his courtiers, "I heard resisting the enemy will ease the people. I haven't heard relocating the people will deter the enemy. He thereupon removed Du, not using his plan.

鄭度說璋曰：「左將軍縣軍襲我，兵不滿萬，士衆未附，野穀是資，軍無輜重。其計莫若盡驅巴西、梓潼民內涪水以西，其倉廩野穀一皆燒除，高壘深溝，靜以待之。彼至，請戰，勿許，乆無所資，不過百日，必將自走。走而擊之，則必禽耳。」先主聞而惡之，以問正。正曰：「終不能用，無可憂也。」璋果如正言，謂其羣下曰：「吾聞拒敵以安民，未聞動民以避敵也。」於是黜度，不用其計。

When the army sieged Luocheng, Zheng had a letter sent to Zhang. It stated, "I heard that by nature, I have no talent, and now that our good alliance has been damaged, I fear your left and right will not show the ins and outs, so it was inevitable for all the blame, and I will receive ridicule for my whole life. Humiliated in my task, I risked my life to go beyond, but I did not dare rebel against orders. I feared Your Sageness would heed their profane and wicked sounds, hence in the interim, I did not have conjure a letter to offer. When I look back to remember past treatments, when I look forward, I feel most regretful."

及軍圍雒城，正牋與璋曰：「正受性無術，盟好違損，懼左右不明本末，必並歸咎，蒙耻沒身，辱及執事，是以捐身於外，不敢反命。恐聖聽穢惡其聲，故中間不有牋敬，顧念宿遇，瞻望悢悢。」

"Therefore, I thought to announce my true intentions from beginning to end and from earliest to latest. I really would not conceal my feelings, and if I couldn't, I would hide my schemes seldom. My feelings and sincerity were not acknowledged, so it caused this situation, that's all. Now that state affairs are in danger, disaster is imminent. Though I left for the outside, and though my words can be despised, that you think them of being most selfish, I will exhaust my remaining loyalty. The great event has already succeeded, thus they do not measure strengths and weaknesses of power, thus thinking the Left General is afar and that their grains and supplies have not been stored. Therefore they wanted to use the more to attack the less, elapsing daily in a stalemate. But arriving here from the passes, we have successively always won. Separate forts and camps have daily been taken over. Luo may have 10,000 soldiers, but all soldiers are from lost battles and all generals are from defeated armies. If you wish to fight a battle soon, your troops and generals' power would actually not compare."

「然惟前後披露腹心，自從始初以至於終，實不藏情，有所不盡，但愚闇策薄，精誠不感，以致於此耳。今國事已危，禍害在速，雖捐放於外，言足憎尤，猶貪極所懷，以盡餘忠。明將軍本心，正之所知也，實為區區不欲失左將軍之意，而卒至於是者，左右不達英雄從事之道，謂可違信黷誓，而以意氣相致，日月相選，趨求順耳悅目，隨阿遂指，不圖遠慮為國深計故也。事變旣成，又不量彊弱之勢，以為左將軍縣遠之衆，糧穀無儲，欲得以多擊少，曠日相持。而從關至此，所歷輒破，離宮別屯，日自零落。雒下雖有萬兵，皆壞陣之卒，破軍之將，若欲爭一旦之戰，則兵將勢力實不相當。」

"Your retainers wanted to store grain for the future, but now those camps are firmly ours, and the grain and rice already collected. Enlightened General, your armies and lands are daily being lost, and the common people are daily being exhausted. Your enemies thus multiply, while your supporters grow more distant. My thoughts calculated such, and I say you will sally, but you will not last long. Your defenses are empty, and even more weak. Now Zhang Yide's 10,000 army already settled Bading, and has entered like a beast across the borders, dividing and pacifying Zizhong and Deyang. With three roads already entered, how will you resist us?"

「各欲遠期計糧者，今此營守已固，穀米已積，而明將軍土地日削，百姓日困，敵對遂多，所供遠曠。愚意計之，謂必先竭，將不復以持乆也。空爾相守，猶不相堪，今張益德數萬之衆已定巴東，入犍為界，分平資中、德陽，三道並侵，將何以禦之？」

"Enlightened General, regarding your strategists, they claimed that our army is distant and lacking supplies, that our supply lines will not work, and that are troops are small without followers. But now, the roads of Jing Province are connected, our armies number tenfold, as well as Sun of the Chariots of Cavalry sending his younger brother with Li Yi and Gan Ning to soon follow. If you want to compete with each lord's strength, then those with [more] land will win, and now all of Badong, Guanghan, and Qianwei, over half [of Yi Province] have already been settled [by us]. Baxi Commandery will also not be in your possession. It is calculated Yi Province relies on Shu, but Shu is also destroyed and ruined. Of the three divisions, you have lost two, and your officials and people are exhausted and stranded. Those who think about rebelling out of ten households are eight. If the enemy is far, then the common people wouldn't bear servitude, and if the enemy is near, then they would instantly change their lord. Guanghan's various counties are a clear example. And Yufu and Guantou are indeed Yi Province's fortune or disaster gates. Now those two gates are fully open, and your strong cities have all fell, and your various armies have all been defeated. Your generals are all destroyed, and your enemy is several roads ahead, already entering your heart and belly. While you sit and guard your capital and Luo, whether you survive or fall from your strength can clearly be seen."

「本為明將軍計者，必謂此軍縣遠無糧，饋運不及，兵少無繼。今荊州道通，衆數十倍，加孫車騎遣弟及李異、甘寧等為其後繼。若爭客主之勢，以土地相勝者，今此全有巴東，廣漢、犍為過半已定，巴西一郡，復非明將軍之有也。計益州所仰惟蜀，蜀亦破壞；三分亡二，吏民疲困，思為亂者十戶而八；若敵遠則百姓不能堪役，敵近則一旦易主矣。廣漢諸縣，是明比也。又魚復與關頭實為益州福禍之門，今二門悉開，堅城皆下，諸軍並破，兵將俱盡，而敵家數道並進，已入心腹，坐守都、雒，存亡之勢，昭然可見。」

"This is the big outline, and it should be obvious, nothing more. The rest is too entangled and hard to explain to the very top. I, Zheng, am stupid, but I can understand your matter will not be successful, moreover, sire, if your left and right are so intelligent and resourceful in their plans, why had they not seen its complications? Dawn to night, they exclaim praises, pleasing you with flattery, and do not worry about long-term plans; there is none willing to exhaust their mind to present favorable strategies, nothing more. If the matter grows too powerful and close, they will each seek their life, asking to help their households, changing sides again and again, to their current plans would be different. They would not die at the end for you, Enlightened General, and your Esteemed Household would still receive trouble. Though I am seen as disloyal from accusations, my heart still feels not to betray Your Sageness' virtue, and looking only at my different righteousness, I actually personally feel distressed. The Left General came originally to take over, but his past heart hesitant, he really has no bad intentions. I believe you can change your path and thus protect your esteemed family."

斯乃大略，其外較耳，其餘屈曲，難以辭極也。以正下愚，猶知此事不可復成，况明將軍左右明智用謀之士，豈當不見此數哉？旦夕偷幸，求容取媚，不慮遠圖，莫肯盡心獻良計耳。若事窮勢迫，將各索生，求濟門戶，展轉反覆，與今計異，不為明將軍盡死難也。而尊門猶當受其憂。正雖獲不忠之謗，然心自謂不負聖德，顧惟分義，實竊痛心。左將軍從本舉來，舊心依依，實無薄意。愚以為可圖變化，以保尊門。」

<summary>[Pei Songzhi's Annotations]</summary>

〔一〕The Annals of Huayang Commandery state: Du was from Guanghan, and served as provincial clerk.

〔一〕《華陽國志》曰：度，廣漢人，為州從事。

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In the 19th year, they sieged Chengdu. Zhang's Grand Administrator of Shu; Xu Jing had Yucheng surrender, but the matter was revealed and did not proceed. Because Zhang was close to destruction, he hence did not punish Jing. When Zhang surrendered, the Former Lord, he distanced from Jing and did not use. Zheng said, "The world has men who boast of their empty reputation, with them lacking real ability. Xu Jing is such. However, now Your Lordship just began creating his grand undertaking. The people of the world cannot be spoken to at their doors about Jing's hollow but praised reputation that is spread across the four seas. If he is not respected, the people of the world will claim Your Lordship belittles the virtuous. You ought to give him the utmost honor to dazzle the far and near, as to follow the King of Yan's treatment to Guo Wei." The Former Lord thereupon he treated Jing generously.

十九年，進圍成都，璋蜀郡太守許靖將踰城降，事覺，不果。璋以危亡在近，故不誅靖。璋旣稽服，先主以此薄靖不用也。正說曰：「天下有獲虛譽而無其實者，許靖是也。然今主公始創大業，天下之人不可戶說，靖之浮稱，播流四海，若其不禮，天下之人以是謂主公為賤賢也。宜加敬重，以眩遠近，追昔燕王之待郭隗。」先主於是乃厚待靖。〔一〕

<summary>[Pei Songzhi's Annotations]</summary>

〔一〕Sun Sheng states: Respecting the worthy and honoring the virtuous is a nation's desired path. Raising tombs and gracing gates were past rulers' actions. Hence one should personally see the heroic from afar, and use great righteousness to engulf the world, afterwards one can gaze towards the four seas, shaking with prestige towards the masses. If this is not such a man, this path should not be traversed. When Jing was in [Zhang's] regime, he disrespected his kin; in leaving [to assume office], he received a position that was wrong; in his speech, then adversity would change his mind. With these arguments, then in danger he would bargain for his head. How from such can he be favored and begin to attract such people? If so, then the superficial and empty are esteemed and stealing one's efforts, so how would upright and just scholars be treated like? Zheng has engaged in deception with his form and has violated respect with his style. By citing Guo Wei, he know no relations between people!

〔一〕孫盛曰：夫禮賢崇德，為邦之要道，封墓式閭，先王之令軌，故必以體行英邈，高義蓋世，然後可以延視四海，振服羣黎。苟非其人，道不虛行。靖處室則友于不穆，出身則受位非所，語信則夷險易心，論識則殆為釁首，安在其可寵先而有以感致者乎？若乃浮虛是崇，偷薄斯榮，則秉直杖義之士將何以禮之？正務眩惑之術，違貴尚之風，譬之郭隗，非其倫矣。

Your servant, Songzhi, believes that though Guo Wei was not virtuous, his use of powerful strategies received favor. Moreover, Wenxiu's reputation was well-heard of; the world called him heroic and powerful. Even if in later years he made mistakes, the matter was not clear. If he is not given respect, how could the explanation not confuse the near and far? Fa Zheng comparing Jing to Wei was not yet inappropriate, but Sheng citing 'raised tombs and graced gates' made it complicated; how pedantic! But if so, then Yan Zhao was also wrong; how can it solely be Elder Liu? Regarding disrespect to kin, the fault originated from Zijiang. Looking in Jiang Ji's essay, one who know it is not Wenxiu's fault. Sheng also heckled [Wenxiu] for receiving a position that was wrong, which means his service to Dong Zhuo. When Zhuo previously controlled the government, he sought to promote the worthy and brilliant, and conferred titles to all the inspiring. When Wenxiu was nominated to office, Zhuo had not arrived in the past. Later, he shifted post to Palace Deputy and did not surpass [rank]. If this is disparaged, then Xun Shuang, Chen Ji, and their like all should accordingly condemned in their times.

臣松之以為郭隗非賢，猶以權計蒙寵，況文休名聲夙著，天下謂之英偉，雖末年有瑕，而事不彰徹，若不加禮，何以釋遠近之惑乎？法正以靖方隗，未為不當，而盛以封墓式閭為難，何其迃哉！然則燕昭亦非，豈唯劉翁？至於友于不穆，失由子將，尋蔣濟之論，知非文休之尤。盛又譏其受任非所，將謂仕於董卓。卓初秉政，顯擢賢俊，受其策爵者森然皆是。文休為選官，在卓未至之前，後遷中丞，不為超越。以此為貶，則荀爽、陳紀之儔皆應擯棄於世矣。

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Zheng was made Grand Adminstrator of Shu Commandery, General who Raises Might. Outside, he controlled the capital region; inside, he was a strategist. He supported those he was friendly with; he punished those he had grudges. There was no instance he did not took revenge, with arbitrary killings, injuries, and wounds towards many. Someone told Zhuge Liang said, "Fa Zheng acts unrestrained in Shu Commandery. General, you must reveal to Our Lordship as to restrain his abuse." Liang replied, saying, "When His Lordship was in Gong'an, in the north, he feared Excellency Cao's strength; in the south, he dreaded Sun Quan's pressure. Closeby, he feared Lady Sun would create trouble under his arms. At the time, he would advance or retreat into wolves. Fa Xiaozhi assisted him into flying, and now rapidly soared, and cannot again serve. How could we stop Zheng and not let him do his intentions?"[1]

以正為蜀郡太守、揚武將軍，外統都畿，內為謀主。一飡之德，睚眦之怨，無不報復，擅殺毀傷己者數人。或謂諸葛亮曰：「法正於蜀郡太縱橫，將軍宜啟主公，抑其威福。」亮荅曰：「主公之在公安也，北畏曹公之彊，東憚孫權之逼，近則懼孫夫人生變於肘腋之下；當斯之時，進退狼跋，法孝直為之輔翼，令翻然翱翔，不可復制，如何禁止法正使不得行其意邪！」初，孫權以妹妻先主，妹才捷剛猛，有諸兄之風，侍婢百餘人，皆親執刀侍立，先主每入，衷心常凜凜；亮又知先主雅愛信正，故言如此。〔一〕

<summary>[Pei Songzhi's Annotations]</summary>

〔一〕Sun Sheng states: Those who abuse their power to their subordinates is the path to destroying families and damaging the state. If punishment is utilized extensively, that is the source of damaged governance and disrupted logic. How can a merited subject be most arrogant and unrestrained; how can a favored subject trifle with the nation's authority? Hence: although Dian Jie was diligent, he couldn't avoid being punished for disobeying orders; although Yang Qian was kin, he was still killed for rebellious conduct. How is it not love, when it is a King's governance of such? What Mister Zhuge said has to be called a loss in proper punishment.

〔一〕孫盛曰：夫威福自下，亡家害國之道，刑縱於寵，毀政亂理之源，安可以功臣而極其陵肆，嬖幸而藉其國柄者哉？故顛頡雖勤，不免違命之刑，楊幹雖親，猶加亂行之戮，夫豈不愛，王憲故也。諸葛氏之言，於是乎失政刑矣。

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In the 22nd year, Zheng told the Former Lord, "Cao Cao, with one action, obtained Zhang Lu's surrender. He has stabilized Hanzhong, yet did not thus attack to seek Ba and Shu [Commanderies], but garrisoned Xiahou Yuan and Zhang He to guard, while he himself went north to return. Perhaps his wisdom is not enough, and his power is not enough. Certainly this means that within, he is worried and pressed to be like such, that's all. I propose a plan. Yuan and He are talented and strategic, but they are generals of a failing state. If we lead an army to invade them, then they will be overcome, and the day we overcome them, vast cultivated lands with accumulated grain, and to observe the enemy, then seize opportunity. Above, we can topple the enemy and be honored with a kingly dynasty; middle, we can nibble on Yong and Liang [Provinces] from a wide and open territory; below, we have firm defenses against harm, making this a long lasting strategy. Forthwith, the Heavens will be ours, and we will never be defeated in these times." The Former Lord liked the plan and thus led his generals and advance an army to Hanzhong, and Zheng also followed.

二十二年，正說先主曰：「曹操一舉而降張魯，定漢中，不因此勢以圖巴、蜀，而留夏侯淵、張郃屯守，身遽北還，此非其智不逮而力不足也，必將內有憂偪故耳。今策淵、郃才略，不勝國之將帥，舉衆往討，則必可克之，克之日，廣農積穀，觀釁伺隙，上可以傾覆寇敵，尊獎王室，中可以蠶食雍、涼，廣拓境土，下可以固守要害，為持久之計。此蓋天以與我，時不可失也。」先主善其策，乃率諸將進兵漢中，正亦從行。

In the 24th year, the Former Lord went south to cross the Mian River. When before Mount Yuan, they set camp at Dingjun and Xingshi. Yuan led his troops to come and fight in the lands. Zheng said, "You should attack!" The Former Lord ordered to beat great drums and attack then, crushing Yuan's army, and Yuan was beheaded. When Excellency Cao attacked the west, he heard of Zheng's strategies and said, "I knew ago that Xuande could not spawn such. It must be someone else's plan."[1]

二十四年，先主自陽平南渡沔水，縁山稍前，於定軍、興勢作營。淵將兵來爭其地。正曰：「可擊矣。」先主命黃忠乗高鼓譟攻之，大破淵軍，淵等授首。曹公西征，聞正之策，曰：「吾故知玄德不辨有此，必為人所敎也。」〔一〕

<summary>[Pei Songzhi's Annotations]</summary>

〔一〕Your servant, Songzhi, considers Shu and Hanzhong like lips and teeth. Regarding Lord Liu's wisdom, how can he not do such? The plans and strategies were not yet told of; this was before Zheng's advice, indeed! [Lord Liu] but listened and used thorough strategies to achieve his goals. This is a Hegemon King's action, who wouldn't be like such?" The Martial [Emperor] of Wu claimed it was someone else's teaching, but how can he be that petty! These are ultimately horrid and distasteful words, and it did not determine the truth in his claim.

〔一〕臣松之以為蜀與漢中，其由脣齒也。劉主之智，豈不及此？將計略未展，正先發之耳。夫聽用嘉謀以成功業，霸王之主，誰不皆然？魏武以為人所敎，亦豈劣哉！此蓋耻恨之餘辭，非測實之當言也

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When the Former Lord became King of Hanzhong, he made Zheng the Prefect of the Secretariat and General who Protects the Army. The next year, he died, and at the time, he was 44 years old. The Former Lord would cry about him for several days. His posthumous title was the Assisting Marquis. [The Former Lord] gifted his son, Miao, to be enfeoffed as Marquis within the Passes, and whose office Colonel who Receives the Army and Grand Administrator of Hanyang. Zhuge Liang and Zheng, and though their preferred ideas were not the same, the common righteousness was mutual. Liang would often awe at Zheng's intelligence and plans. When the Former Lord assumed honorific titles, he went on an eastern expedition against Sun Quan to repay the humiliation of Guan Yu['s death], and though many officials constantly protested, not one was listened.

先主立為漢中王，以正為尚書令、護軍將軍。明年卒，時年四十五。先主為之流涕者累日。謚曰翼侯。賜子邈爵關內侯，官至奉車都尉、漢陽太守。諸葛亮與正，雖好尚不同，以公義相取。亮每奇正智術。先主旣即尊號，將東征孫權以復關羽之耻，羣臣多諫，一不從。

In the 2nd year of the Zhangwu era, the grand army was crushed, and it returned to Baidi. Liang sighed, "If Fa Xiaozhi was here, he then would protest to the Sovereign and make him not go east, and even he still went east, it certainly would not be this terrible."[1]

章武二年，大軍敗績，還住白帝。亮歎曰：「法孝直若在，則能制主上，令不東行；就復東行，必不傾危矣。」〔一〕

<summary>[Pei Songzhi's Annotations]</summary>

〔一〕When the Former Lord and Excellency Cao fought, the attack was disadvantageous, and it was best to retreat, but the Former Lord was indignant and did not want to retreat, and there was none who dared admonish. Arrows fell like rain, and Zheng thus moved to be in front of the Former Lord, so the Former Lord said, "Xiaozhi, get back from the arrows!" Zheng said, "My liege, if you are facing arrows and stones, shouldn't I, a petty man, too?" The Former Lord then said, "Xiaozhi, we will leave." Thus they retreated.

〔一〕先主與曹公爭，勢有不便，宜退，而先主大怒不肯退，無敢諫者。矢下如雨，正乃往當先主前，先主云：「孝直避箭。」正曰：「明公親當矢石，況小人乎？」先主乃曰：「孝直，吾與汝俱去。」遂退。

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<details><summary>Commentary</summary>

Commentary: Pang Tong was charismatic and social. He studied the Classics and pondered plans. When he was in Jing and Chu, he was called a great talent. Fa Zheng could see success or failure, with extraordinary plans and clever calculations. However, he was not praised for his virtue. If comparing them to officials of Wei, would Tong be Xun Yu and his uncle and Zheng be Cheng [Yu] and Guo [Jia's] like?

評曰：龐統雅好人流，經學思謀，於時荊、楚謂之高俊。法正著見成敗，有奇畫策筭，然不以德素稱也。儗之魏臣，統其荀彧之仲叔，正其程、郭之儔儷邪？

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